Do I need a plasma cutter table?

[CGCINC]

OK, so I'm getting the Power Plasma 50 and can't wait to use it.
I'm just wondering if I need a dedicated table for plasma cutting by hand?

If I do build one, tell me what I need to include on it..... easy remove grates? Catch can for cutting debris? Maybe removeable grates in one foot sections or 6" sections so I don't cut up the table?

Tell me what you would do for the perfect Plasma table

[DaveO]

I think you *want* a plasma cutting table! Which can become *need* a plasma table with only a gentle nudge. If you search "pantograph" on this forum and on youtube you'll find a number of cool examples of mechanical tables. Rod (RodsMachineShop) posted a "tracer" thread not too long ago. Easily removable grates are a smart feature, btw.

[CGCINC]

I definitely Want a table!
I would eventually like to have a CNC table so I'm wondering if I need to just go ahead and build the base to it now so I can manually cut on it then down the road add all the goodies.
I did see Rods tracer table which is pretty cool!
Seanmurphy265 and Acourtjester had some nice tables too!

I'm usually pretty confident in my ability to do most anything BUT, CNC tables are Way out of my smart area so I almost need a step by step...

[geezer]

I definitely Want a table!
I would eventually like to have a CNC table so I'm wondering if I need to just go ahead and build the base to it now so I can manually cut on it then down the road add all the goodies.
I did see Rods tracer table which is pretty cool!
Seanmurphy265 and Acourtjester had some nice tables too!


I'm usually pretty confident in my ability to do most anything BUT, CNC tables are Way out of my smart area so I almost need a step by step...

Best to try out something cheap like a tall metal garbage can with a grate set on top,,,until you decide what to build...a tall metal garbage can will give you a nice working height and can be used later for shop trash,, the grate can be of your own design ...it's portable doesn't cost much and will make do until you have it all figured out..as to what you really need..

[sportbike]

Of course you NEED a table...not just a table, but a CNC Table...

[CGCINC]

Of course you NEED a table...not just a table, but a CNC Table...

Of Course!!! Seeee..... This is why I build stupid dog statues for my wife, Now when I spend a couple grand building my table it all equals out Doesn't it?

Geezer.. That is probably a great idea because I always jump the gun and then think of stuff I Could have done After it's already done!

[Rodsmachineshop]

Just make something like this dont have to be this fancy could just make out of cheep angel iron

[NRM]

Rod that looks like a nice table, is it yours?

[Rodsmachineshop]

no just came across it on the internet is a nice table . i made mine so it sitting between my 2 work benches so when not using I can hang on the wall when not using

[CGCINC]

Just make something like this dont have to be this fancy could just make out of cheep angel iron

That's the Exact one I was looking at to build. I just didn't want to spend the time and money in that thing if I could build a CNC table without all the gantry and stuff and just use it till I convert it to work.
That is a Nice table in the pic for sure!

What's a good size for table? I was looking at 2' x ? Maybe 30" x ?


Question: As far as the poop shoot on that table.... I had planned on making just a box under the grates to catch cuttings. Should I change it to have a shoot or will removing the grates and cleaning it out once in awhile be fine?
Why do some people have water under the cutting area?

[Rodsmachineshop]

After making my table and tracer wish i made it at least 5' foot wide to cut 4 foot wide sheets of steel .

[CGCINC]

After making my table and tracer wish i made it at least 5' foot wide to cut 4 foot wide sheets of steel .

Good to know! I thought about 30" x 4' wide but guess I'll bump it to 5' wide.

Anymore thoughts?

[Rodsmachineshop]

4 by 5 would be perfect that's what i am doing with mine redoing to 4x5 . sorta had a brain fart when building my table lol. think i will make some fold up legs for my table so can stuff away when not using ,

[CGCINC]

4 by 5 would be perfect that's what i am doing with mine redoing to 4x5 . sorta had a brain fart when building my table lol. think i will make some fold up legs for my table so can stuff away when not using ,

Here's my 2 options:

This is a small "catch all" that I could get a 3x5 foot table in. My only concern is it would be tight around the table and I'm not sure how much room I need but I'm sure it helps to be clear on 3 sides. The table in the picture is 43" x 87"




The second idea is to move all my welding gear to the "catch all" above and put the plasma table in this area. The door on the right is a closet that has all my small cut offs in it right now. I could get rid of the closet which would give me a lot of room in this area. I could fit a 3x6 table over here. Possibly 3x8 if I wanted bigger but I dont think I need an 8' table. 3' is about as deep as I can go either place I put it.

[Rambozo]

One option is to have a pull out support handle like Jody did for his downdraft table. Then you can support larger material, yet collapse it for storage. And of course have it on casters for mobility.

[sportbike]

no just came across it on the internet is a nice table . i made mine so it sitting between my 2 work benches so when not using I can hang on the wall when not using

That is nice Rod...very simple. Is it rigid enough for cutting? Probably could make a quickie 2 axis nc with that as well....simple like a printer carriage or vinyl plotter with an end to end belt drive.

[CGCINC]

One option is to have a pull out support handle like Jody did for his downdraft table. Then you can support larger material, yet collapse it for storage. And of course have it on casters for mobility.

Another great suggestion! Thanks!

[Rodsmachineshop]

use 3/16 steel its very steady , with your limit space i would make it so you can take a part lay against wall when not using

[Rambozo]

use 3/16 steel its very steady , with your limit space i would make it so you can take a part lay against wall when not using

Or throw a piece of steel plate or plywood on top for a work table when not cutting. If you make it 36" X 80" you can put a solid core door on it for a top. Those make great benchtops, and are pretty cheap.

[SeanMurphy265]

Here's my 2 options:

Post some pics of that portaband stand! I've been wanting to make one for my HF portaband.

Jody posted a link for his down draft cutting table plans.